Recovery Workers Gather for Christmas Dinner at New York WTC Ruins

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, December 26, 2001

Recovery Workers Gather for Christmas Dinner at New York WTC Ruins

Recovery workers searching for human remains at New York World Trade Center ruins paused for a brief Christmas dinner Tuesday as spectators crowded around the site.

Recovery workers searching for human remains at New York World Trade Center ruins paused for a brief Christmas dinner Tuesday as spectators crowded around the site.

The remains of several victims had been discovered in the rubble during the night as crews picked through what had been underground levels of the trade center. Those working at the site had volunteered to work on Christmas.

Christmas Day marked 15 weeks since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when two hijacked airliners crashed into the twin towers, which collapsed and left nearly 3,000 people dead or missing.

Some workers said that although their families missed them on Christmas, it was nothing compared to what victims' relatives were enduring.

Inside a large tent where recovery workers take breaks, Salvation Army volunteers served a Christmas dinner of prime rib, turkey with apple gravy, glazed ham, twice-baked potatoes, green beans with almonds, and yams.

Mayor Rudy Giuliani donned a red Salvation Army smock to help serve food and greet workers at the site, while a quartet played Christmas carols and patriotic tunes.

Giuliani later filled a plate with prime rib and green beans and sat to eat with five firefighters.

Several workers said Giuliani's visit boosted their mood.

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